ABS TECHNOLOGY

ABS DRIVING TECHNIQUES

While new vehicles equipped with anti-lock brakes (ABS) are more prevalent today than just five years ago, many drivers are still unfamiliar with the proper techniques for operating an ABS-equipped vehicle. Anti-lock braking systems are designed to prevent skidding and to help drivers maintain steering control during an emergency braking situation. Although the first anti-lock braking system was developed in 1936, ABS has only been widely available in the United States for slightly more than a decade.

In the past, before ABS-equipped vehicles were used for driver education, instruction focused on teaching students to “pump” the brakes to compensate for vehicle skidding. This technique, however, will actually hinder the handling dynamics of a vehicle equipped with ABS.

ABS vs. non-ABS

ABS keeps the wheels from locking under hard braking, such as during a sudden stop or emergency situation. Sensors located near each wheel monitor speed to determine when the wheels are about to lock. (Locked wheels cannot be influenced by further braking input.) Once the wheels lock up on a non-ABS-equipped vehicle, steering ability is severely or completely compromised. Because the ABS system can pump the brakes up to 18 times per second (faster than any human), the system prevents the wheels from locking, allowing the driver to maintain steering control and maneuver around the obstacle.

The advantages of ABS far outweigh those of conventional brakes. In an emergency stop in an ABS-equipped vehicle, you will be able to maintain full steering capability, particularly if you are on dry pavement. On a slippery road, you may find that the steering will not be as responsive, but you will still have more control than with conventional brakes. If your vehicle is equipped with electronic stability control, which utilizes the ABS system to maintain control of the vehicle, you will have even greater control during hard braking.

Driving with ABS

When driving a vehicle equipped with ABS, you should step on the brake pedal firmly, steer normally, and only let off the brakes when the vehicle is completely stopped. You should never “pump” the brakes in a vehicle equipped with ABS. Even though you may feel pulsating sensations through the brake pedal when ABS is activated, this is normal and simply an indication that the system is working properly. Taking your foot off the brake, even for a second, will disengage ABS and you will lose any potential benefit.

Rear-wheel-only ABS, which is installed on some light-duty pickups and sport utility vehicles, does not offer the steering capability of the four-wheel ABS featured in most passenger cars. With rear-wheel ABS (sometimes referred to as RWAL), the front wheels can still lock. Therefore, when driving a vehicle with rear-wheel-only ABS, you should decrease some braking pressure if you sense that the front wheels are locked, about to lock up, or skidding. Although this system does not provide the same capabilities as four-wheel ABS, it does offer better braking ability and vehicle stability than non-ABS-equipped vehicles.

Recognizing when ABS is activated

Often, you can recognize that the anti-lock braking system in your vehicle has been activated because you will feel a pulsation in the brake pedal or hear a mechanical sound upon severe braking. Although these vibrations and noises can be somewhat startling, it’s important to continue to brake firmly. In most road conditions, ABS-equipped vehicles will stop in a shorter distance than those not equipped with ABS. (Having ABS, however, should not lead you to drive faster than normal or beyond your abilities.)

So, while ABS is not required by law on passenger vehicles, it is a worthwhile option that can not only prevent accidents, but also may save your life.

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